This ultra-creamy white bean dip is a hit for vegan and non-vegan dinner guests alike. It blends sweet, mellow roasted garlic with a touch of bold raw garlic for the perfect flavor punch. Made with simple pantry staples like cannellini beans, tahini, lemon, and olive oil, it’s silky, savory, and packed with protein. It’s totally dairy-free and naturally vegan. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings, especially when you need a delicious appetizer everyone will devour. Serve with toasted baguette slices, fresh veggies, or warm tortillas for a seriously addicting snack that comes together fast.
SERVINGS
~10–12 appetizer portions
INGREDIENTS
- 2 (15–16 oz) cans white beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 whole head roasted garlic, cloves squeezed out
- ½ clove raw garlic, very finely minced (add gradually to taste)
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- 2–3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice (start with this, adjust as needed)
- ¾ tsp salt (then adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 Tbsp water if needed for thinning
- Optional: a tiny pinch (⅛–¼ tsp) garlic powder for extra garlic punch
- Garnish: olive oil drizzle + chopped parsley or cilantro + a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
- Roast the Garlic.
- Cut the top off a garlic head to expose cloves
- Drizzle with olive oil + wrap in foil
- Roast at 400°F (205°C) for 30–40 minutes
- Cool 1–2 minutes, then squeeze out all softened cloves
- Blend the Base. In a food processor or blender, combine:
- White beans
- Roasted garlic
- Tahini
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt + pepper
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the Texture.
- If too thick, add 1–2 Tbsp water and blend again.
- Add the Raw Garlic
- Add ½ clove raw garlic, very finely minced, and pulse briefly.
- Taste, and only add an additional ¼ clove at a time if you want a stronger garlic flavor.
- Final Flavor Balance
- Taste and adjust lemon, olive oil, garlic powder or salt according to your preferences.
- Garnish and Serve!
- Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil, red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of parsley/cilantro.
- Let it rest 15–20 minutes for flavors to meld (if time allows).
NOTES
- Flavor will strengthen slightly as it sits
- Serve with toasted baguette slices and/or tortilla chips
- Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated (airtight container)
